Hybrid Heating Systems

Hybrid heating systems, otherwise known as dual fuel systems or heat pump systems, are rarely considered with our generally colder winter climate in the Denver metro area. However, these types of heating and air conditioning systems can be a very efficient alternative to a traditional heating and cooling system, and save you money!

The hybrid heating system, or dual fuel system, is comprised of several components and require specific controls in order to operate the most efficiently. The heat pump is the unit that is installed on the exterior of the house. The evaporative coil and natural gas furnace are located on the inside. The dual fuel thermostat is also a key component that is located inside and controls the system.

The heat pump will function in the same manner as a traditional central air conditioning condenser when used for cooling in the summer. The difference between a heat pump and an air conditioner is that a heat pump has the ability to reverse the flow of refrigerant and absorb heat from the air outside. It will transfer the heat and release it into the ductwork in your house. It should be called a “heat and cool pump” if named accurately as it does both with one unit.

The amount of BTU’s or heat that it will transfer directly depends on the temperature of the outside air. The warmer the air, the more efficient the heat pump is. The heat pump can even be efficient at absorbing and transferring heat at temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Every heat pump system uses a secondary or auxiliary source of heat. In some climates, electric strips are used. In a true hybrid system, a gas furnace is used. A gas furnace is a much more efficient secondary source than electric strips.

A dual fuel thermostat, with an outside sensor installed, are necessary to control the hybrid heating system. There is a set point which determines at what temperature the system switches over to gas and then back to the heat pump. This set point can be changed at any time depending on current gas and electrical rates.

The result is that your hybrid heating system will automatically use whatever source is the most efficient to heat your home throughout the day. Generally, it will use the heat pump during the day and the gas furnace in the morning and the night. You will use less natural gas and save money at the same time. Hybrid systems are a very “green” way to heat your home and cut down on fossil fuel sources.

Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning is experienced with the installation and repair of these hybrids, dual fuel, heat pump systems. Make sure that a heat loss heat gain load calculation is performed to properly size a system for your home! Call for a more detailed explanation and for heat pump system pricing.

Heat Pump: transfers heat in and out of your home to both heat and cool. More efficient than natural gas furnace alone.

Evaporative Coil: transfers heat to and from your duct system.

Furnace: moves the air in the ducts and gas heat is used when outside temperatures drop below 35 degrees for “emergency heat only”

CleanEffects Air Cleaner: removes 99.98% of airborne allergies in your home. Most effective air cleaner in the industry!